Hifiman HE400se

"Planar headphones feature conductive layers that cover nearly the entire diaphragm, resulting in significantly lower distortion than conventional dynamic headphones."

This is true. Planar magnetic drivers tend to be fast and clear compared to dynamic drivers but lack the punchy bass dynamic drivers can provide.

"Durable Connections: the headphone’s drivers are protected by a newly designed casing for enhanced durability and protection from the elements."

This I strongly doubt. On my model the left ear crinkles if you touch it while the right ear cuts out if you bump the cable connector.

"The HE400SE’s high sensitivity makes it the perfect match for low-voltage sources, including portable hi-res. audio players."

This is misleading. Yes they only need 0.9V for 105 dB or 1.6V for 110 dB, but that's not particularly low and their 91dB/mW sensitivity demands a lot of current.

"Maximum Comfort for Hours of Listening Pleasure Thanks to its newly designed adjustable lightweight headband, the HE400se remains cool and comfortable for hours, even in excessively warm weather."

The headband is fine. The comfort is fine.

The Hifiman HE400se delivers outstanding sound for its price, though the build quality has some glaring issues. The headphones are relatively comfortable thanks to their soft ear cups, but the headband design feels heavy, and the plastic construction creaks. My unit has several quality control issues: the left ear makes crinkling noises when touched, the headband creaks, and the right cable cuts out if bumped. While disappointing, it’s somewhat forgivable at this price point.

On the sound side, the HE400se performs admirably. The bass is clear, tight, and well-controlled, though it lacks deep extension. The mids are natural and pleasant, but vocals feel slightly recessed, which can take away some warmth in certain tracks. The treble leans harsh—similar to Beyerdynamic’s signature—but it doesn’t respond as well to EQ adjustments, making it less forgiving for treble-sensitive listeners. Despite these quirks, the level of detail and separation is impressive for a headphone at this price. Soundstage and imaging are solid, creating an immersive experience that’s hard to find in this range.

Overall, the HE400se has some serious build issues but still stands out as an exceptional value for anyone willing to put up with its quirks to experience planar sound on a budget.

Yes.

If you’re looking for an affordable entry into planar magnetic headphones and can overlook some build quality issues, the HE400se is a fantastic option. At this price, the sound quality is tough to beat.